Redwood City, CA: Surfing Champion Bethany Hamilton will be sharing her story of courage, faith and triumph. During a surfing session in 2003, Bethany suffered the loss of her arm due to a 14-foot tiger shark off the coast of Hawaii. Since the devastating accident, Bethany’s recovery and spirit both on and off her board have inspired millions.
Paige Kearin, CEO of the Joy Agency, LLC (and speaking representative for Bethany Hamilton) says, “Bethany is coming to the Bay Area because of the connection between a daughter and her father. Savanna “Savvy” Newton, a 14-year old in Redwood City had a dream of meeting her hero. Her father, Stuart Newton, breathed life into her daughter’s passion by calling The Joy Agency. Over a year of hard work and constant collaboration, the vision came to fruition via two outstanding events; A VIP Reception at a private home in Atherton, CA, on Thursday October 15th and Changebound.org’s event which includes a screening of the movie Soul Surfer and a Q&A with Bethany as well as private Meet and Greet on Friday October 16th in Santa Cruz, CA. Tickets are still available at MeetBethanyHamilton@gmail.com .
Bethany explains that sharing her story is, “a wonderful way for people to understand that a lot of good can come from really challenging circumstances.” Bethany’s events will include a live speaking appearance as well as a VIP event where attendees meet Bethany and get a photo with her. Anyone connected to the ChangeBound and Newton’s events will have the opportunity to meet and interface with Bethany – the real woman behind the hit movie “Soul Surfer” starring Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid.
Paige Kearin says, “At the Joy Agency, we get lit up about connecting individuals to their heroes. And we know that the real hero of this story is Savvy Newton who’s brave enough to dream and Stuart who is teaching us all that dreams are often a road map to life’s biggest real live wonders. Dream It. Wish It. Do It!”
Bethany will make herself available to speak to the press the week of September 28th at 10am PST via conference call.